Lawn vs. interlock: which is right for your Montreal property?

It's one of the most common questions we get: should I keep the grass or pave the front yard? There's no single right answer — it depends on your property, your goals, and your tolerance for maintenance. Here's an honest comparison.

The case for interlock paving

• Zero mowing, watering, or fertilizing once installed
• Adds defined parking space — important on Montreal's narrower lots
• Dramatically improves curb appeal and resale value
• Lasts 30+ years with minimal maintenance
• Permeable paver options help with drainage

The case for keeping lawn

• Lower upfront cost
• Better for cooling — grass absorbs heat, pavers radiate it
• Required by some Montreal borough bylaws (minimum green space rules apply in some areas)
• Better for biodiversity and stormwater absorption
• Easier to change your mind later

Check your borough rules first

This is the step most people skip. Several Montreal boroughs — including Rosemont, Plateau, and Outremont — have bylaws specifying a minimum percentage of permeable or green surface in front yards. Paving over your entire front lawn may require a permit or may not be permitted at all. Check with your borough before investing.

The hybrid approach

Many Montreal properties look best with a combination: defined interlock driveway and walkway with planted beds and some lawn preserved. This satisfies borough rules, provides parking, and keeps the green space that makes a yard feel like a yard.

L'Île Verte designs both — pure interlock driveways and hybrid landscape+paving projects. We'll tell you what works for your specific lot and borough. Free quote, no pressure.